SPRINGFIELD - A proposal making it easier for people to transport firearms passed the state Senate on Thursday despite an earlier Gov. Rod Blagojevich veto.

Proponents contend a person cannot possibly keep track of more than 100 different gun transport ordinances in Illinois and might unintentionally violate a law while crossing the state.

"If you're legally carrying your firearm where you live in the morning, you may find yourself in - Oak Park under a different law," said state Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline. "We need a standard uniform law that everybody understands."

The measure would wipe away any local ordinance for transporting weapons that is more stringent than the state's current law. The Illinois State Police require that weapons be unloaded, enclosed in a case and not immediately accessible.

Opponents argue that the state would undermine local control.

"We would be taking a great step forward to evaporating the local prerogative that communities have to pass their own gun laws," said state Sen. Jeffrey M. Schoenberg, D-Evanston.

State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, is concerned that confusing firearm transportation laws will keep out-of-state gun owners from coming to the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta.

The measure passed 38-20 and now heads to the House.

Matt Adrian can be reached at matt.adrian@;lee.net or 789-0865.